A wander through the docklands

8th - 10th November 2016

Writing: Himanshu Singh (Year 10)

Photography: Ruhan Shah (Year 10)

Editing: Vandan Somani (Year 9)

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During this week, Year 10 Geography students had the opportunity to visit the London Docklands to experience firsthand the massive change which has occurred in this area.

We started the day with a coach ride going to the Excel Centre, just in front of London City Airport. Here, we learnt about how this area changed from a once-bustling dock for container ships, to a more commercial - and business-oriented - area through the 1980-90's.

We then proceeded to Silvertown. Once intended to be cheap accommodation for those who worked in the docks and factories near here, a government funded scheme which is in the process of regeneration.

Next, we walked to the Emirates Airline, the cable car system that would take us over the Thames in style, if with a little bit of vertigo! We then took the tube to Canary Wharf, where we were all struck by how different this area was from where we had just come, with high-rise buildings and big financial companies all around us.

After a bite to eat, we then ended the day with a serene boat ride down the Thames, albeit in the rain. We were able to see famous landmarks such as the London Eye and learn about the history of the area as we cruised along.